First-Timer’s Guide to Pullman, Washington

First-Timer’s Guide to Pullman, Washington

March 13, 2019

If you have never been to Pullman, Washington, there is no time like the present to start planning your spring getaway! Located in southeastern Washington state and home to Washington State University, Pullman is within the beautiful Palouse region of the Pacific Northwest. The city is a vastly fertile agricultural area known for its production of wheat and legumes. The views in the spring are incredible when the wheat and barley are young, and their colors are the most vibrant.

You will certainly find no shortage of exciting things to do in Pullman, plus you can be in Idaho within a short drive as Moscow is about eight miles east of the city. Before we delve any further into what to do in Pullman, WA, let’s get you settled into the most comfortable hotel in Pullman!

Check into the Coast Hilltop Inn

First, you will want to get yourself situated comfortably at the Coast Hilltop Inn, where you will find 115 well-appointed rooms. Enjoy in-room amenities such as:

Boasting panoramic views of the town, Washington State University, and the Palouse, this Coast Hotels location is conveniently situated near nature trails, the beautiful university campus, western Idaho, and is just minutes from downtown Pullman.

Fair warning: once you check in, you may not want to leave again! The Coast Hilltop Inn provides a relaxing environment with many unique features and amenities, including:

In addition, take advantage of the complimentary airport shuttle service (advance notice required), free Wi-Fi, coin-operated laundry, and a business center—just in case you need to get a little work in while you’re enjoying your relaxing stay.

Fun Things to Do in Pullman

As tempting as it will be to stay “inn,” there is plenty to entice you to get out and enjoy the beautiful town of Pullman. Having been named one of the seven wonders of Washington State, the Palouse region is a big attraction. You will enjoy miles of rolling hills with shades of luscious greens sweeping the landscape. The hills, covered with wheat fields, have formed over tens of thousands of years from wind-blown dust and silt, called “loess,” brought from the dry southwestern regions.’

Palouse Recreation Trails

The many trails throughout Pullman make it a great biking, hiking, and walking destination. The Bill Chipman Palouse Trail is seven miles of smooth pavement running between Pullman and Moscow, Idaho, and the Pullman Parks and Recreation Trail System connects directly to the Bill Chipman trail. Enjoy hours of fresh air while taking in all the beautiful sights and sounds of nature.

Washington State UniversityーGo Cougs!

One of the characteristics that make Pullman great is that it’s home to Washington State University— not to be confused with the University of Washington Huskies— WSU is an excellent university with roughly 31,000 students.

Your taste of campus life won’t be complete without a visit to the WSU Creamery and Ferdinand’s. Here you will find the world-famous Ferdinand’s ice cream and Cougar Gold Cheese. The observation room is located in the Food Quality Building at WSU, where you will have the opportunity to watch cheesemaking in action. The best time to view cheese production is Monday to Thursday, 10:00am – 2:00pm. Give them a call, and they will let you know when they will be making Ferdinand’s ice cream.

Before you leave campus grounds, be sure to check out The Bookie, Washington State University’s official bookstore on campus to grab some merchandise and show off your team spirit!

Discover Downtown Pullman

Exploring the town is the best way to spend an afternoon. Visit downtown Pullman for local shops and boutiques, coffee shops, and more. You will also find the Pullman Riverwalk—a pedestrian and bike path that runs along the south fork of the Palouse River. The loop trail includes unique lighting, landscaping, and two bridges that span the river.

Paradise Creek Brewery

If all of these activities are making you thirsty, drop in to the Paradise Creek Brewery, a local brewpub that brews 100% of their beer in Pullman. Their Trailside Taproom is located on Riverview Street, while their original location can be found in the Old Post Office building off Paradise Street and is now a restaurant serving burgers, barbecue, and more. Don’t forget to visit both!

Where to Wine & Dine While You’re in Pullman, WA

After all the adventures of the day, what should you do next? Good news! You have so many choices!

Merry Cellars Winery

A family-owned winery found in Pullman, Merry Cellars Winery offers a nice tasting room where you can enjoy various wines. The friendly, knowledgeable staff will take you through the process, teaching you how to smell the bouquet and identify the elements that make each bottle unique. They will show you how to aerate the wine in your mouth, so the notes explode over your palette, and they will answer any questions you may have. You may even run into winemaker, Patrick Merry, who runs the day-to-day operations of the business and has grown it from a 400-bottle yield to over 5000!

The Hilltop Restaurant

Looking for a little more sustenance at this point? Come on back to Coast Hilltop Inn in Pullman and enjoy their on-site restaurant. The Hilltop Restaurant, serves wings, sandwiches, fish & chips, and more. It features a full bar with a daily happy hour and gorgeous panoramic views of Pullman, WSU, and the Palouse. It is open from 4 pm to 9 pm Monday through Saturday.